The purpose of the fall family camping trip is to bring the Pack together and start the year on a high note! We will run a great program on Saturday Sept. 16th from 10am - 5pm, with the focal point being our Raingutter Regatta race. We also want to make sure new families and Scouts have a chance to connect and get to know each other while enjoying time in the great outdoors. Optional family camping is available for the weekend at no cost.

📅  DATE / TIME: 

Fall Family Camp - Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Optional Family Camping - Friday, September 15, 2023 (flexible check in) through Sunday, September 17, 2023 (flexible check out) 

📍 LOCATION: Finnon Recreation Area https://finnonrecreationarea.com/ - 9100 Rock Creek Rd, Placerville, California 95667

PLEASE RSVP WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND OR NOT:  RSVP HERE

SUBMIT YOUR RSVP TO RECEIVE YOUR REGATTA KIT! This year Scouts will be given an official BSA Regatta kit to build their boat. The sooner you RSVP the more time your Scout has to build their boat! Siblings are welcome to build a boat and participate for $7 (boat kit cost) Boat rules below.

ATTIRE: Scouts should wear their Class A uniform on September 16th

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

10:00AM - Welcome and Opening Flag Ceremony

10:30 - 11:30 AM - Nature Hike (don’t forget your 6 essentials!!)

11:30 - 12:00 PM - Scout Craft Activity

12:00 - 12:30 PM - Lunch

12:30 -  2:00 PM - Raingutter Regatta Race

2:00 -  3:00 PM - Den Adventures

3:00 -  4:30 PM - Campfire Program (+ Desert)

4:30 PM + Family Time

DIRECTIONS
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS WITHOUT READING!!!

There are two ways to get to Finnon Recreation Area, but we highly recommend you take the Rock Creek Rd. route. The alternate route that we do not recommend will take you out Mosquito Rd. and it is very windy, narrow, and you absolutely cannot take a trailer on this route.

The route we do recommend is as follows:

TYPICAL WEATHER: In September, the weather at Finnon Recreation Area is typically mild with highs in the 80’s and lows in the 60’s.

WATER ACTIVITIES

While the focal point of Finnon Recreation Area is a beautiful lake, we will not be holding any water activities during our official scouting time between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM on Saturday Sept. 16th.  There are several requirements that make this not feasible.  However, after official Scout time is over and we transition to family camping, you are welcome to utilize all of the facilities in a manner that aligns to your family’s comfort level. This lake is a great place for your Scout to practice their fishing skills with a variety of fish in Finnon Reservoir including Bass, Trout, Blue Gill, and Sun Fish. Please note, a fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16 years old and Finnon is CATCH and RELEASE only. Finnon is also a great place to bring your kayaks/canoes/paddleboards. 

MEALS

The only meal that will be coordinated will be the Lunch on Saturday. If you are participating in family camping please coordinate your own meals.  It is also recommended that you bring snacks for your Scout to keep them fully energized throughout the day.  We will have water available on Saturday, but it is recommended that you also bring an appropriate water bottle and backpack to carry your supplies as we move around. *Please note, it is possible a CAMPFIRE BAN might be in place so make sure you bring appropriate equipment to cook your meals.*

WATER AND BATHROOMS

The campground we will be utilizing has convenient access to running water and bathrooms. We are not sure about the lighting situation at night so if you are camping please plan accordingly and bring a lantern or flashlights to use when it is dark.

GENERAL RULES

• Please be present and actively engaged with your Scout at all times

• Please do not bring any pets with you to this event

• Please use good judgment

• The whole family, including siblings, are welcome to participate in the activities

• Have fun!!!

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

There is poison oak as well as ticks in the forest around the campground. This is very common in all outdoor settings in Northern CA and something you should alway be aware of. Lastly, there can also be rattlesnakes in the area so please be diligent just like you are around El Dorado Hills. 

There does not seem to be an issue with Bears at this location, but please use good judgment when storing food and disposing of trash while at the campground. It is recommended you store your food/coolers in your vehicle

WHAT TO BRING

Some of us attending may be experienced campers while for others it may be their first time.  To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip and brings the essentials, we have pulled together a list (included on the following page) for reference.

NEARBY STORES

The campground host has indicated that they are willing to provide us with ice while camping, but there is no access to a full store with supplies.

Reach out with any questions or further clarification.